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It seems that over the last couple of decades that age of the icon is coming to an end. The people who used to appear larger than life and inspire those around have been replaced by an ever increasing idenitkit line of celebrity, where the only way to be noticed is to be more outrageous than the last.

It seems that some people are only too happy to take that spot in the limelight and then try and occupy it as long as possible. But as they strove to the top, its getting harder and harder to stay there and the next few of bright pretty young things is always around the corner biting at their heels. But let's be honest, they are not icons, they are just the day's passing fancy.

2012 has arrived. A time for reflecting on the year gone by and looking forward to the year yet to come.

According to some people, the Mayan calendar says this will be the final year before it all ends. I hope they are as accurate as some other apocalyptic predictions about 2011. The year is likely to be dominated by the economy whether it be the rise or fall of the US, the BRIC countries coming to the fore, or even if the EU can save itself.

However, there are some major events to look forward to, for me at least. The Olympics are coming to town, London to the rest of the world and the Queen should be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee. In the USA, the election for the World's most powerful person, the POTUS, will take place. I'm sure there are other of importance around the globe.

Always one on the British calendar and yet it is one of the few dates that has no religious significance behind it. The other holidays and festivals all really appear to have come a religious source at some point and are merely carried on in some form or another. This one is specifically aimed at those we lost and in some way reminding ourselves about it.

In some ways the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have only served further to remind us of what it means. They may not be World Wars, but a lot of countries have contributed forces and lost lives in the actions.

Maybe that is the reason that this was one of the first years where both silences, on the Friday and Sunday, were impeccably observed. Normally, someone doesn't see the point and continues to chatter or decides to phone someone and then complains loudly that they don't get an answer.

It seems special this year somehow. Although it is not a 100 years since the great war ended on Flanders fields, this time round it is 11/11/11 and given the time that has passed so few of those who survived have remained.

Over time as the memories fade and all that are left are clippings, somehow the reasoning behind what happened is questioned and modern ideas are being applied to a situation that should be considered in context.

Regardless of how you feel, what happened led to the deaths of many million people and what should never be forgotten is that they did sacrifice their lives in that war. What should be argued over was the reasoning of the politicians and why they went to war.

The only sadness is not only that so few of them from the Great War, but that over the years the Fallen have been joined by others and will continue to be so. All those who have gone to fight should not be forgotten.